Today is International Museum Day, an annual event that emphasises the crucial role that museums play in society. Couple some indoor fun with an educational twist, and you’ve got both an entertaining and enriching activity that is sure to occupy and delight everyone.
This is what Cape Town has on offer: hands-on engagement, excitement, exploration and discovery, all while being sheltered from the chilly weather. There is something for everyone, so the whole family is welcome to tag along. Here are some of the best museums and activity centres in Cape Town to visit.
All Iziko Museums will be free of charge today, except for the Planetarium, Digital Dome, Groot Constantia and Castle of Good Hope.
Also read: Cape Town museums suitable for an outing with the whole family
The Planetarium
As the most advanced digital planetarium in Africa, the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome offers a space filled with innovation and discovery. The world-class, multifunctional facility combines art, science and entertainment to create virtual voyages of the universe. Each session provides a 360-degree cinematic experience that depicts the inner workings of the human body, the search for extra-terrestrial life, the mystery of the polar night and so much more. Showtimes have also been adjusted in the event of loadshedding.
- Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
- Location: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town
- Cost: Adults: R100 | Children aged 5 to 18: R100 | Pensioners and students: R100
- Contact: 021 481 3800
- Website: iziko.org.za/museums/planetarium/
The Cape Town Science Centre
A science centre is an educational facility that teaches science, technology, mathematics and engineering. Though these methods typically rely on the use of interactive displays, events and activities, the Cape Town Science Centre utilises social media, web-based education programmes and remote teaching to equip learners with valuable experiences that enrich the school curriculum. The main aim of the centre is to create an exciting culture of learning about science and technology for the youth and general public. Currently, visitors can look forward to masterclasses for Grade 11 and 12, workshops, and interactive demonstrations on different forms of electricity. Learners can also benefit from virtual exam preparation at the centre.
- Times: Monday to Saturday: 9am to 4:30pm | Public holidays: 10am to 4:30pm
- Location: 370B Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town
- Cost: Adults: R80 | Children aged 3 to 18: R80 | Family package (4 people): R280 | Groups of 10 or more: R70 per person
- Contact: 021 300 3200 | [email protected]
- Website: ctsc.org.za
Franschhoek Motor Museum
This museum showcases more than 100 years of automotive history. Catering to tourists, families and motor enthusiasts alike, the Franschhoek Motor Museum’s collection exceeds 220 vehicles. With more than 80 exhibits that are available to view at any time, displayed in four de-humidified halls with a total floor area of 2700 square metres, visitors can view iconic models such as the 1898 Beeston motor tricycle, a Bugatti from the 1930s, and so much more. You can even take a ride in a classic car (chauffeured of course) on the estate. In addition, visitors can participate in wine tasting, have a high tea at the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room, or enjoy an Italian cheese and wine pairing at the estate. Note that the museum only accepts electronic payments for bookings.
- Times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm (last admittance 4pm) | Saturday to Sunday and Public holidays: 10am to 4pm (last admittance 3pm)
- Location: Franschhoek
- Cost: Adults: R80 | Pensioners: R60 | Classic car drive: R80
- Contact: 021 874 9002 | [email protected]
- Website: fmm.co.za
The Simon’s Town Warrior Toy Museum
Step back into your childhood and immerse yourself in a wonderful collection of vintage toys and models at the Warrior Toy Museum in Simon’s Town. With 4 000 car models in this museum – each with its own story to tell – visitors are definitely in for a treat. Thinking of starting your own aeroplane or truck collection? The museum has you covered – its sales section has a vast array of models to choose from, at reasonable prices. There are also interesting functional dioramas to marvel at, from airports to trains.
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 2pm
- Location: 1067 King George Way, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
- Cost: R10
- Contact: 021 786 1395 | [email protected]
Iziko South African Museum
Founded in 1825 in the Company’s Gardens, the Iziko South African Museum has attracted visitors from across the world. The facility is home to more than one-and-a-half million specimens of scientific importance, ranging from fossils to ancient insects and historical tools. The museum’s education department also runs a dynamic school, holiday, public and outreach programme that focuses on creating engaging learning experiences. The school programmes complement the national curriculum, and also support the learning outcomes at the foundation, intermediate, and senior levels – as well as at the further education and training phases. School programmes include visual art, natural history and social history education, providing lessons, resources, special needs activities, educator enrichment workshops and projects aimed at adding value to the classroom.
- Times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm
- Location: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town
- Cost: Adults R60 | Children aged 5 to 18 R60 | South Africa pensioners and students R20/Free entry on Fridays
- Contact: 021 481 3800 | [email protected]
- Website: iziko.org.za
Extra: The Cape Town Museum of Childhood
Children and adults of all ages can explore and celebrate childhood at this museum. It is the first of its kind in Africa; featuring an interactive learning experience. The Cape Town Museum of Childhood documents the heritage, memory, oral history, research and interpretation of all things childhood. It is home to a national collection of childhood-related exhibitions, including a showcase of 100 years of toys, a Madiba and Children unit, which comprises a collection of photographs and stories from people who met Nelson Mandela as a child, an activity room and lots more.
- Times: Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
- Location: 3 Milner Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
- Cost: Free
- Contact: 071 336 1524 | [email protected]
- Website: museumofchildhood.org.za
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Picture: The Cape Town Science Centre
